Dr. Robert "Bob" Thomas Plants

August 23, 1957 - June 3, 2020

Coleman Funeral Home Robert Thomas Plants, born August 23, 1957, went home to be with the Lord very suddenly on May 28, 2020. An outdoor memorial service will be held at The Orchard on Saturday, June 13, 2020. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. with the memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m. The service will also be live streamed on The Orchard’s Facebook page. Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford is in charge of arrangements. He was preceded in death by his father Dr. Robert W. Plants. He is survived by his mother Kathryn Frances Hassell Plants, three sisters Ellen Massey, Mary K. Haik (Dr. Bill Haik) and Joy Batte (John Batte), six beautiful nieces: Kimberly Haik (Chad Cage), Terese Haik, Stephanie Haik Greenwell (Steve Greenwell), Dr. Lindsey Batte McMullan (Kelly McMullan), Leighton Batte Mosteller (Clifton Mosteller), Katie Batte Ringer (Jeff Ringer), five grandnieces, seven grandnephews and numerous cousins. Bob graduated from University High School, Oxford, MS, and earned his B.A.E. and M. Ed. in Social Studies from the University of Mississippi. He received his Ed. D. from the University of Memphis in Instructional Technology and Design. He was Educational Coordinator for medical students in Memphis, worked for CBU, was Research Associate at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Research Associate at Vanderbilt University before joining the University of Mississippi as Assistant Professor. He continued to teach at the University of Mississippi for 14 years, with courses in curriculum and design focused on the use of technology as a teaching and learning tool. Bob was very active in numerous educational technology groups including the SC Conference, Association for Talent Development, Apple OS Professionals, E-Learning 2.0, Innovative Learning, and the International Higher Education Teaching and Learning Association. Bob was a founding member of the Orchard Church in Oxford, MS, and enjoyed serving there over thirteen years in many capacities. He worked with college groups, community groups and Bible Study groups and was “famous” as the first person that visitors and members saw when they entered the church. From his role in the Information Booth, he welcomed everyone with a smile and with information about the church. He was an avid fan of Ole Miss football and basketball. He enjoyed engaging in Yoga, being outdoors riding his bicycle, and spending time with friends and neighbors. He was a faithful son to his parents, caring for both when his father was alive, and then caring for his mother. “Dr. Bob” was a stranger to no one. He leaves behind a legion of wonderful friends and a legacy of creative instructional strategies, encouraging forward thinking and especially utilizing technology. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Orchard Oxford (295 Highway 7 North, Oxford, MS 38655); the Robert W. Plants Teaching Award (University of Mississippi); or a charity of your choice. Please leave online condolences on the Tribute Wall at www.colemanfuneralhome.com.